Modern life is rapidly evolving, and in this era, the role of women is highly significant. Today, women's employment is considered essential, making its impact on families highly important, with both positive and negative aspects in their social lives and their families. This article examines the effects of mothers’ employment on children.
With the social changes of the modern era, which stem from societies’ modernization, organizations, institutions, and social structures have lost their traditional fabric and adapted to the demands of modern life. As a result, the family unit has undergone transformations, and parental roles have evolved. Women have entered more social activities than before and now contribute to their families' economic needs. Gender roles have also changed, such that today, mothers are no longer solely expected to stay at home and focus on household chores and child-rearing, nor are fathers solely viewed as the primary economic providers. Compared to the past, fathers now play a greater role in raising children and managing the household, while mothers take on more social and economic responsibilities.
Motherhood and childcare involve numerous variables and a continuum of experiences. On one end of this spectrum is the ideal mother who provides full care for her child, and on the other end is the complete absence of a mother. However, reality often falls somewhere in between. Research shows that mothers’ employment does not have a uniform effect on children, as mothers work for various reasons. Some mothers begin working or leave their jobs at different stages of their children’s development. The debate about the effects of a mother’s employment on a child is accompanied by significant differences in opinion. Many opposing and supporting perspectives have been presented, and over time, new research has influenced these views.
A Positive Role Model for the Child: A stay-at-home mother who is unhappy with her life cannot positively influence her children. A working mother, with a sense of success and satisfaction, can serve as a good role model. Children can draw inspiration from such mothers in pursuing their own dreams and goals. Mothers who effectively balance work and family life instill a strong work ethic in their children. Additionally, they help their daughters break stereotypes and teach them to strive for what they want in life.
Positive Mental Health of the Mother: One of the positive effects of mothers' employment on children is the psychological well-being of the mother. Employment provides women with a sense of identity and a positive mental state, leading to higher levels of mental health and vitality, which directly impacts the child’s emotional well-being.
Meeting Material Needs and Boosting Self-Esteem: Employed mothers, due to their financial stability, are better able to meet their children's material needs. Moreover, children seek not only material satisfaction but also feelings of belonging, respect, and self-worth. Meeting these needs enhances their self-esteem. A mother’s employment can have a positive effect on her child's self-confidence. Self-esteem allows an individual to see themselves as valuable, capable of overcoming life's challenges, and deserving of happiness. It is an essential factor in mental health, and a lack of it can negatively impact social relationships, family life, employment, and longevity. Since personality formation occurs in childhood and adolescence, paying attention to self-esteem development is crucial.
Raising Independent Teenagers: Employed mothers tend to raise responsible and independent teenagers. Research indicates that adolescents with working mothers, compared to those with stay-at-home mothers, have higher self-esteem, adaptability, a sense of family belonging, and social support. Other studies have found that mothers' employment positively affects children's adaptability.
Better Adaptability: Children of employed mothers generally exhibit better social and personal adaptability and fewer behavioral issues in school compared to those of stay-at-home mothers.
Raising Independent and Self-Sufficient Daughters: Studies show that daughters benefit more from having a working mother than sons. Daughters of working mothers display greater social independence, academic success, and a stronger inclination toward employment than those with stay-at-home mothers. Additionally, children of mothers in cultural or managerial positions tend to perform best academically.
Better Communication Skills: Children of working mothers develop better communication skills compared to those of stay-at-home mothers.
The crucial role of mothers in educating and raising their children and fostering their sense of self-worth is undeniable. However, employed mothers, unlike stay-at-home mothers, cannot always provide full attention to their children. Since they spend several hours away from their children due to work, by the time they return home, exhaustion from work and stress may prevent them from fully attending to their children’s needs. Additionally, they must manage household responsibilities within their limited time.
Sense of Insecurity: The importance of a mother for a child extends beyond meeting physical needs. A child’s entire sense of security is deeply tied to the presence of their mother. If a working mother struggles to balance work and family, she may experience burnout and exhaustion. If she brings this negativity home, the child may develop a negative perception that work is a source of stress and distress for the family.
Emotional Disconnection: Despite their deep love for their children, working mothers may struggle to express emotions effectively. After a stressful workday, they may lack the energy to listen to their children’s concerns. In such cases, children may seek emotional relief elsewhere or feel that their parents lack interest in their lives.
Parental Conflicts: Disagreements between parents regarding the mother’s employment can negatively affect children, harm their self-esteem, and create feelings of insecurity.
Long Hours of Separation: Many working mothers are separated from their children for extended hours. Children of working mothers often spend more time watching television or playing computer games than engaging with their mothers, which can pose a significant threat to family bonds.
Lack of Supervision: The absence of both parents at home means children may not receive the supervision they need, especially during crucial developmental stages. This lack of parental oversight increases their vulnerability to various risks.
Emotional Deprivation: Placing young children in daycare for long hours can result in emotional deprivation, difficulty forming emotional bonds, and personality instability.
Since a mother’s employment is sometimes an unavoidable necessity, it is crucial for working mothers to plan their time effectively. Proper time management allows them to maintain a balance between work and family life, ensuring that employment does not negatively impact family cohesion. In fact, when managed well, a working mother can contribute to family harmony, better marital relationships, and overall family well-being.
Seeking Counseling Services: To prevent work-related stress and ensure mental well-being, working mothers should seek counseling and psychological support.
Prioritizing the Child’s Early Years: Since the first two years of a child's life are critical for emotional attachment, working mothers are advised to take maternity leave or delay employment during this period. Failure to establish early emotional bonds can affect a child’s ability to form close relationships in adulthood.
Part-Time Work as an Alternative: If possible, working mothers should consider part-time jobs instead of full-time employment to allow more time for their children.
Choosing a Job They Enjoy: Job satisfaction is crucial for maintaining a positive family atmosphere. Mothers are advised to avoid jobs they dislike or lack skills in, as dissatisfaction at work can negatively impact family dynamics.
A stay-at-home mother who is dissatisfied with her life cannot be an ideal mother. On the other hand, many mothers choose to stay at home and dedicate their time to raising their children. One of the most important factors in a child’s development and well-being is the mother’s satisfaction and the quality of time spent with the child. A working mother who ensures her child receives emotional support should not feel guilty. The quality of parenting matters more than whether a mother is employed or stays at home. A woman can be a good mother regardless of her employment status.
